Autism event attracts participants

Hundreds were climbing up and down the steps of the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse Saturday, raising money for recreational opportunities for special needs children.

Hundreds were climbing up and down the steps of the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse Saturday, raising money for recreational opportunities for special needs children.More than 200 people took part in the Shine a Light on Autism Lighthouse Challenge. It is the third year for the event.There were 19 people in the competitive event, in which they completed as many flights up the steps and down the road as they could in an hour. The winners were Kyle Monroe, who completed 11 flights; and Kim Bouyea, who completed 10.The rest of the participants were given two hours to climb as many steps as they wanted. The Kids Karnival featured free games and food for children.